Europe is spangled with tourist destinations. While Paris is an all-time favorite, there’s no better place for romance than Rome. Art and history have found its safe haven in Prague.
Amsterdam, however, is in its own league. Visitors from all over the world come to Amsterdam to have some unadulterated fun. There is something in the Amsterdam air that dusts the worries away. With its snaking canals and gabled buildings, the Venice of the North is one of the hottest destinations in Europe, especially in April.
What makes Amsterdam in April special?
Every year, Amsterdam attracts over 15 million tourists, making it a bustling destination. However, your experience in the city may heavily rely on the tourist crowd. April, falling within the shoulder season for tourism, presents a rare opportunity with moderate visitor numbers, making it ideal for exploration.
In April, Amsterdam blooms with the vibrant colors of spring. The city exudes a unique charm accentuated by the diverse tulips in full display. As the sun emerges, so do the local residents, creating an inviting atmosphere for exploration.
With longer daylight hours, April offers ample time to discover Amsterdam's iconic landmarks. Moreover, the city comes alive with festivities such as Easter and King's Day, offering lavish celebrations that shouldn't be missed. These events are among the top reasons to experience Amsterdam in April.
Amsterdam in April weather
April in Amsterdam is typically charmingly mild. With an average high of around 12°C and lows hovering at approximately 4°C, the weather tends to be humid. Rainfall graces the city on roughly 12 days throughout the month. Moreover, daylight extends gradually, offering about 10 hours of illumination by April's end.
Amsterdam in April: Things to do
1
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Uncover the origin of Amsterdam's moniker as the Venice of the North. Amsterdam's meticulously designed network of canals offers an enchanting cruising experience, inviting you to leisurely explore the city's prominent landmarks at your own pace.The Amsterdam Canal Cruises are indeed a thing of beauty, and you, should certainly not miss out on them!
April Timings
Cruise Timings depend on Tour chosen
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting There ›
2
Van Gogh Museum
Vincent van Gogh is one of the most prolific artists the world has ever seen. At the Van Gogh Museum, you will be able to observe the largest collection Van Gogh’s works. This museum is situated in the middle of Amsterdam’s famous museum district. Buy combo tickets like the Dutch Masters & Marvels Tour to experience the canal cruise and Rijksmuseum along with this attraction.
April Timings
Daily from 9am to 6pm
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
3
Anne Frank House and Walking Tour
Anne Frank's life and story are deeply ingrained in the history of World War II. This unique experience allows you to immerse yourself in Anne Frank's world, seeing the city through her eyes. The tour guides you through a city that bore the brunt of the war's devastating consequences. Know the story of Anne Frank and how her diary ended up being published by her father Otto Frank.
April Timings
Tours start daily from 9am to 11pm
Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
4
Rijksmuseum
At the heart of the museum district lies another spot famous for its vast collection. Rijksmuseum holds around 8000 pieces of art that you can explore if you have the time. The collection at Rijksmuseum mainly focuses on Dutch history. It has some of the most influential works of art in terms of historical significance. The Night Watch by Rembrandt Van Rijn and Self-Portrait by Vincent Van Gogh are two of the most famous pieces at the museum.
April Timings
Daily from 9am to 5pm
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
5
Day Trip to Keukenhof
The Netherlands is known to be the land of tulips. Surely, you aren’t planning to come to Amsterdam in Spring and leaving without seeing the flowers in full bloom? Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in Europe. It has a number of species of flowers, all of which are in full bloom in April. You can a wonderful picnic in the garden and go home with some amazing photos. You may also visit the nearby bulb farms to know more about horticulture.
April Timings
Tours start daily from 8am to 7:30pm
Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
6
Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is one of the places you must include in your Amsterdam itinerary if you love beer. The tour takes you to the brewery that was once responsible for manufacturing all of their products. Currently, you can explore some pieces of equipment and have an authentic behind the scenes tour of a brewery. You can even draft your own Heineken to top the experience off.
April Timings
Monday to Thursday - 10:30am to 7:30pm
Friday & Saturday - 10:30am to 9:00pm
Sunday - 10:30am to 7:30pm
Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
7
Xtracold Icebar
We have mentioned before that Amsterdam is not like any other place in the world. Well, the Amsterdam Icebar proves us right in that regard. The entire bar is made of ice and it boasts of great nightlife. You may also experience a 3D ride through an Icy landscape. Buy the combo ticket and relish the complimentary drinks as the music and the decor hold your attention.
April Timings
Monday to Thursday - 3:45pm to 10:40pm
Friday to Sunday - 11:45am to 1:00am
Amstel 194, 1017 AG Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
8
Red-light District
In most places in the world, you might be well advised to stay away from the shady part of the city. However, turns out Amsterdam’s shady part is not so shady after all. At the Amsterdam Red-Light Distict , you could meet locals and acquaint yourselves with the simple rules to follow when in the area. Explore the most famous street in the city, Warmoesstraat, or go to a brewery in Chinatown. Not only is the place safe, but it is happening too.
April Timings
9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Night tour: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
De Wallen, Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
9
Amsterdam Museum
The city of Amsterdam has a rich history. The Amsterdam Museum is dedicated to the past of the city and presents the visitors with the opportunity to explore it in detail. The rich architecture of the building itself is one to behold. Audioguide is available to enrich your visit with nuggets of information. Despite the slightly higher crowd in April, Amsterdam Museum is a must visit.
April Timings
Daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Kalverstraat 92, 1012 PH Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
Amsterdam in April: Events to look out for
Tulip festival
All month!
Running throughout the month from April 1st to April 30th. This festival showcases the beauty of tulips in various locations across the city, including parks, gardens, and public squares. You can stroll through fields of colorful tulips, take picturesque photos, and learn about the history and significance of these iconic flowers to Dutch culture. It's a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of springtime in Amsterdam.
King’s Day Celebration (Koningsdag)
27th April, 2024
the King’s Day Celebration, known as Koningsdag, happening on April 27th. It's a national holiday in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam goes all out to celebrate the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. Expect the city to be decked out in orange, the national color, as people take to the streets to party, enjoy live music, street performances, and participate in various activities and events. It's a vibrant and lively atmosphere, with flea markets popping up all over the city where you can find all sorts of treasures.
Amsterdam in April: 5-day Itinerary
Amsterdam Essentials
LanguageDutch
Time zoneGMT+1
Country Code+31
Socket Type C, E and F
CurrencyEuros €
Amsterdam Weather in April
An average day in April in Amsterdam tends to be damp, owing to its geographical characteristics. However, the sun shines more frequently compared to previous months, raising the temperature to a pleasant level. A gentle breeze often accompanies the day. Even when the sky starts clear, showers are still common in Amsterdam during April.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam during April
Amsterdam has a long history of welcoming visitors, resulting in a plethora of hostels, lodges, and hotels dotting the cityscape. These accommodations cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets, ensuring options for every type of traveler.
- Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Conservatorium Hotel, InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
- Mid-range: Pillows Anna van Den Vondel, Banks Mansion, Pulitzer Amsterdam
- Budget: Zoku Amsterdam, Mauro Mansion, Hotel V Fizeaustraat
What to Pack for Visiting Amsterdam in April
Before preparing for your trip to Amsterdam, remember the Dutch saying, "April doet wat hij wil," meaning April does as it pleases. This suggests packing a variety of clothing options: warm layers, lightweight attire, and a waterproof jacket to cover all weather possibilities. Don't forget to bring along an umbrella and waterproof boots for unpredictable rainy moments. Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are also essential items to have on hand for exploring the city.
Getting Around Amsterdam in April
Amsterdam boasts an extensive public transport network, offering convenient options despite its reputation for high costs. Among these options, the tram stands out as the most dependable mode of land transportation, despite its leisurely pace. Its widespread coverage and affordable fares compensate for any lack of speed. For journeys beyond the city center, the metro is the preferred choice, providing efficient connectivity. Meanwhile, the ferries offer a delightful blend of sightseeing and transit, allowing travelers to enjoy Amsterdam's scenic waterways en route to their destinations. Alternatively, embracing the local culture, one can opt for cycling, a popular mode of transport facilitated by the abundance of bicycles available for rent, outnumbering the city's residents. Thus, transportation in Amsterdam offers diverse and accessible means to explore the city and beyond.
Amsterdam in April - Must try Delicacies
As terrifying as this may sound, Raw Herring is something that will tantalize your taste buds and make a place for itself in your heart. Head to any Herring cart you spot and ask for a broodje haring, which places the fish in a sandwich. The Raw Herring at Frens Haringhandel is legendary.
It is likely that you'll go beer binging during your time in Amsterdam. Beers in the Netherlands are typically stronger than elsewhere, and as such you need to pair it up with Bitterballen, a pub essential in Amsterdam. It is basically deep-fried meatballs served with mustard dip. Try the Bitterballen from De Ballenbar.
The thick fries indigenous to the Netherlands is another must-try delicacy. The thick fries are served hot in a paper cone with a number of toppings. To get the authentic Dutch taste, ask for patatje oorlog or patat special sauce to go with the fries. The best Dutch Fries are served at Grizzl and Frietboutique.
Not many Dutch sweet treats are known to the world, but this one definitely deserves the recognition. Two plain waffles are stuck together with sweet syrup and served hot and gooey. You may choose to go for this treat at a street market or try it from Original Stroopwafels
This sweet treat has an interesting history. It was named after a performing dwarf who went by the name of Tom Pouce. It comprises of a rectangular piece of pastry topped with pink icing. Try this dish at Stefs Bakery.
Tips to visit Amsterdam in April
- Make sure you squeeze in a trip to Keukenhof Gardens in April. The tulips festival is on full swing from March to May and there's no leaving Amsterdam without seeing the tulips.
- Visit the outskirts of the city on the weekends as the main city could get crowded during those days in April.
- Be mindful of the bike lanes. As the weather gets warmer, more and more locals will be seen on the street with their bicycle.
- Look for deals on flight and hotel bookings in April as the high season is yet to begin.
FAQs
What are the top things to do in Amsterdam in April?
What are the top things to do in Amsterdam in April?
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